Nearly 800 community members gathered Sunday at the Steve Tisch Cinema Center at the Saban Theatre to commemorate Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terror.

The event was hosted by Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), the Temple of the Arts and the Consulate General of Israel.

Rabbi David Baron, TOTA founder, led the community in prayer at Sunday night’s event.
(photo by Justin Kenderes)

“On this Yom Hazikaron, we bow our heads and honor the memory of the fallen,” said Sam Grundwerg, Consul General of Israel to the Southwest United States. “We remember that their personal sacrifices granted life to an entire nation, and made possible the ultimate blessing: the blessing of living as a free people in our land.”

More than 55 local schools, synagogues and organizations partnered for this Yom Hazikaron community event.

“For countless generations, the men and women of Israel have fought for survival against impossible odds,” said Tony Rubin, FIDF National board member and Western Region president, who presided as the event’s master of ceremonies. “But despite their constant attempts to bring us down, we, the Jewish people, continue to thrive and prosper, just as we have done for our entire history, thanks to our angels serving in the IDF.”

Rabbi David Baron, TOTA founder, led the community in praying for the safety of those in Israel and the men and women of the IDF – and mourned the 23,544 fallen soldiers and victims of terror by reciting the Mourner’s Kaddish.

“Remembering the fallen heroes who defend us against state sponsors of terrorism – and memorializing the innocent victims of acts of terrorism in Israel and around the world – is our moral duty,” Baron said.

Distinguished guests included former and active-duty American and Israeli soldiers, including veteran aviator Mitchell Flint, who served as a U.S. Navy fighter pilot during World War II, and later as an American volunteer pilot in Israel’s first fighter squadron during its War of Independence. Paying special honor to Mitchell Flint was Israeli Air Force Capt. “I.” who flies helicopter rescue missions.

Other distinguished guests included Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse; TOTA president James Blatt; FIDF Western Region founder and chairman emeritus Leo David; FIDF Western Region chairman Paul Guerin and his wife, Vera; and FIDF Western Region executive director Jenna Griffin.